10 Actors Who SAVED Their Careers By Turning Down Movie Roles

Paul Verhoeven's Showgirls is one of the most infamous films of all time, an erotic drama "blockbuster" which tanked critically and commercially, ultimately being skewered for its unexpectedly campy tone, and worst of all a shambolic performance from Elizabeth Berkley in the lead role.

Berkley, who was fresh off her squeaky-clean role in Saved by the Bell, banked on the part of Nomi Malone kickstarting her movie career, but alas, she ended up with Worst Actress and Worst New Star Razzies for her troubles, was dropped by her agent, and struggled to find a new one as much of Hollywood wouldn't return her calls. Oof.

The role was originally offered to a fleet of actresses before Berkley took it, including an on-the-rise Drew Barrymore, who ultimately turned it down due to being uncomfortable with the amount of nudity required.

It was certainly a good call, as Barrymore's career skyrocketed almost immediately after, with memorable roles in the likes of Batman Forever, Scream, The Wedding Singer, and Never Been Kissed throughout the second half of the '90s.

Berkley's career conversely never recovered, such that her first major project in over a decade is an upcoming Saved by the Bell reunion series.